Obituary of James Allister Sears

James (Jim) Allister Sears, 86, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2021, at the Aberdeen Hospital after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Miriam (Thompson), sister Shari (John) Burns, children Michael, Matthew (Laurie), Lisa (Gordon), daughter-in-law Elizabeth Cameron, grandchildren Liam (Cynthia), Riley, Hope (Braedon), Kyle (Brittney), Cameron (Beka), Brianna (Kurtis), Mariah (Kurtis), Erica, and great-grandchildren Sawyer and Levi. He was pre-deceased by parents Ward Sears and Ruby (Crossman) Sears, and parents-in-law Gib Thompson and Mary (MacFarlane) Thompson. Jim was born in Glace Bay on Christmas Day, 1934 and later moved to New Glasgow where he enjoyed playing sports on a variety of school teams. He graduated from St. F. X. University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 and his education degree in 1960, working as a teacher in Pictou County for 30 years. “Big Jim” was a giant of a man, both in size and personality. He met Miriam at a dance at the IOOF Hall in New Glasgow and Miriam became the love of his life. This beautiful marriage lasted for 61 glorious years. Jim excelled at serving his community and building relationships, never hesitating to share his talents to make the world a better place. Coaching teams in various sports while teaching in Pictou, Stellarton, and Trenton was a true passion. He sang on the popular Sing-Along Jubilee program for two seasons, and in various church choirs as well as the Trinitarians adult choir his entire life. Jim had a life-long love of fitness and could often be found working out at the gym. He enjoyed many years volunteering as an auxiliary member of the RCMP as well as with the Telecom Pioneers. Jim was instrumental in the formation of The Old Scotia Heavy Events Association and competed for many years in Highland games throughout Canada, the United States and Scotland. He was a true ambassador and spokesperson for Scottish culture was admitted into the Pictou County Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation Sports Hall of Fame. Jim cherished friendships and had a remarkable ability to connect with others. He was a wonderful conversationalist and always took time to stay in touch with friends and family far and wide. Jim was fortunate to travel widely, but some of his favourite travel adventures were Sunday drives with Miriam, holding her hand while enjoying Nova Scotia’s beautiful scenery. Those who knew Jim knew how much he loved his peanut butter. If desired, donations of jars of peanut butter can be made to your local food bank in his honour. He would also be grateful if today you told your loved ones how much you love them. Please, no flowers by family request. If so desired, donations can be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society (pcpcares.org) in Jim’s memory. Jim and his family are indebted to many medical professionals including the VON (especially Crystal), Dr. Brennan, Dr. MacDougall, Dr. Leighton, Dr. Kwasnik and the palliative care team, and the many staff members of the Aberdeen and Victoria General hospitals that compassionately cared for him over the years. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the HW Angus Funeral Home. Due to COVID restrictions, no public viewing is permitted. A service will be held for invited guests only. Jim’s service will be livestreamed through the HW Angus Facebook account at 1pm on Saturday, October 2. www.angusfuneralhomes.com